Simi Valley’s restaurant scene is easy to underestimate, which is a mistake. Behind the suburban calm are family-run Mediterranean cafés, cozy Italian bistros, Mexican delis, neighborhood gastropubs, and old-school restaurants tucked into the city’s quieter corners.
These five off-the-beaten-path Simi Valley restaurants are worth adding to your list when you want a meal with more personality than a chain stop.
1. Ali Baba’s Cafe
Ali Baba’s Cafe is a beloved Mediterranean restaurant in Simi Valley, known for generous plates, warm service, and a loyal local following. It has earned strong praise for a reason: the food is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Expect kabobs, hummus, falafel, shawarma-style plates, salads, rice, pita, and Mediterranean comfort done well. Ali Baba’s is casual, dependable, and ideal for lunch or dinner that feels both healthy and hearty.
2. The Canteen by Cammarano’s
The Canteen by Cammarano’s is a family-owned scratch kitchen and cocktail bar with a modern gastropub feel. It blends handcrafted cocktails, cozy interiors, burgers, small plates, and a speakeasy-like atmosphere.
The place works especially well after visiting the Reagan Library or when you want dinner and drinks without driving into Los Angeles. It feels local, stylish, and relaxed all at once.
3. Bella’s Bistro
Bella’s Bistro is a cozy Simi Valley restaurant with exposed brick, warm lighting, Italian music, fresh flowers, and a boutique dining atmosphere. It feels intimate in a way that is increasingly rare in suburban dining.
Expect pastas, seafood, salads, appetizers, tiramisu, and rotating specials. Reservations are smart on weekends. Bella’s is a strong pick for date night or a slower dinner with real charm.
4. Carrillo’s Mexican Deli
Carrillo’s Mexican Deli is a family-run Mexican spot known for handmade tortillas, tamales, breakfast burritos, crunchy tacos, and authentic everyday dishes. It has a small-town charm that makes it feel deeply local.
The chorizo-and-egg burrito, tamales, tortillas, and tacos are all good starting points. Carrillo’s is the kind of place that makes simple food memorable because the fundamentals are right.
5. La Hacienda Taqueria
La Hacienda Taqueria brings warm neighborhood energy and authentic Mexican flavors to Simi Valley. It is known for birria, tacos, fish tacos, burritos, salsa, and generous portions.
The birria consommé is especially worth trying, and Taco Tuesday gives locals another reason to return. La Hacienda feels like eating at a family member’s house, which is exactly what makes it a hidden gem.
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